Glaucoma is the #1 leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. It is a very common condition and affects approximately 70 million people globally, with approximately 10% being bilaterally blind. The prevalence of glaucoma is projected to increase 140% by 2040 (Source: Thom Y-C et al Global prevalence of glaucoma and projections of glaucoma burden through 2040. Ophthalmology. 2014-121-2081e2090).
Although risk factors for glaucoma include family history, diet, smoking, and age, its actual cause often remains unclear. In many cases, glaucoma can progress gradually and go unnoticed for years. If left untreated, the resulting damage is the demise of the optic nerve leading to irreversible vision loss.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, also known as SLT, provides a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for these glaucoma patients in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP).
Many ophthalmologists and optometrists initially treat glaucoma using topical eye drops until the medication starts to lose its ability to lower the patient’s eye pressure and then at that point, consider SLT as the next treatment option.
However, studies have shown that treatment using a laser first resulted in better long-term IOP control and patients taking fewer medications (Source: The Glaucoma Laser Trial (GLT) and glaucoma laser trial follow-up study: 7. Results. Glaucoma Laser Trial Research Group. Am J Ophthalmol 1995: 120:6:718-31). The result of SLT treatment reduces IOP by 25-30% and typically lasts a few years. Once the effectiveness diminishes, patients may repeat SLT treatments to further reduce their IOP without causing adverse effects or complications.
LIGHTMED’s LIGHTLas SLT Deux-V is the preferred SLT laser system of choice and combines SLT, YAG, and vitreolysis functions in one. Its advanced engineering and ergonomics result in greater product precision, enhanced reliability, and comfort for patients and doctors.
“My experience with the LIGHTMED SLT has been excellent. In my practice, my first choice for glaucoma patients to bring the eye pressure down is SLT because it is the easiest and most convenient option for the patient and the doctor. It is also the most economical option for both the patient and the healthcare system, when compared to other treatments. When you put all this together, it’s hard to not choose SLT as your first option.
I would highly recommend the LIGHTMED SLT to my colleagues. The quality is top notch, and we’ve never had any issues with their technology. The LIGHTLas SLT Deux is my go-to technology for SLT, and their support staff has been excellent, friendly and approachable. It is the combination of quality and service that makes the company excellent to work with.” – Amir Marvasti, MD
For more information about LIGHTMED’s glaucoma lasers, email sales@lightmed.com or visit www.lightmed.com.
Contributed by LIGHTMED.
Dr. Amir Marvasti discusses SLT treatment.
Glaucoma is the #1 leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. It is a very common condition and affects approximately 70 million people globally, with approximately 10% being bilaterally blind. The prevalence of glaucoma is projected to increase 140% by 2040 (Source: Thom Y-C et al Global prevalence of glaucoma and projections of glaucoma burden through 2040. Ophthalmology. 2014-121-2081e2090).
Although risk factors for glaucoma include family history, diet, smoking, and age, its actual cause often remains unclear. In many cases, glaucoma can progress gradually and go unnoticed for years. If left untreated, the resulting damage is the demise of the optic nerve leading to irreversible vision loss.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, also known as SLT, provides a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for these glaucoma patients in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP).
Many ophthalmologists and optometrists initially treat glaucoma using topical eye drops until the medication starts to lose its ability to lower the patient’s eye pressure and then at that point, consider SLT as the next treatment option.
However, studies have shown that treatment using a laser first resulted in better long-term IOP control and patients taking fewer medications (Source: The Glaucoma Laser Trial (GLT) and glaucoma laser trial follow-up study: 7. Results. Glaucoma Laser Trial Research Group. Am J Ophthalmol 1995: 120:6:718-31). The result of SLT treatment reduces IOP by 25-30% and typically lasts a few years. Once the effectiveness diminishes, patients may repeat SLT treatments to further reduce their IOP without causing adverse effects or complications.
LIGHTMED’s LIGHTLas SLT Deux-V is the preferred SLT laser system of choice and combines SLT, YAG, and vitreolysis functions in one. Its advanced engineering and ergonomics result in greater product precision, enhanced reliability, and comfort for patients and doctors.
“My experience with the LIGHTMED SLT has been excellent. In my practice, my first choice for glaucoma patients to bring the eye pressure down is SLT because it is the easiest and most convenient option for the patient and the doctor. It is also the most economical option for both the patient and the healthcare system, when compared to other treatments. When you put all this together, it’s hard to not choose SLT as your first option.
I would highly recommend the LIGHTMED SLT to my colleagues. The quality is top notch, and we’ve never had any issues with their technology. The LIGHTLas SLT Deux is my go-to technology for SLT, and their support staff has been excellent, friendly and approachable. It is the combination of quality and service that makes the company excellent to work with.” – Amir Marvasti, MD
For more information about LIGHTMED’s glaucoma lasers, email sales@lightmed.com or visit www.lightmed.com.
Contributed by LIGHTMED.
Dr. Amir Marvasti discusses SLT treatment.
